Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a Mauritian scientist, organic chemist, and biodiversity researcher who served as the sixth President of the Republic of Mauritius from June 2015 to March 2018. Her political appointment was a historic moment, as she was the first woman to hold the largely ceremonial post in the nation’s history. She is internationally renowned for her academic career and her work in promoting science and sustainable development in Africa.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim |
| Born | October 17, 1959, Surinam, British Mauritius |
| Spouse | Anwar Fakim (married 1988) |
| Political Party | Independent |
| Education | Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, University of Exeter (UK) |
| Presidential Term | June 5, 2015 – March 23, 2018 |
| Key Scientific Field | Ethnobotany, Organic Chemistry |
| Key Award | L’Oréal-UNESCO Prize for Women in Science (2007) |
Distinguished Scientific Career
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim’s rise to the presidency was preceded by a distinguished academic and entrepreneurial career focused on science and biodiversity.
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Academic Background: She earned a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Surrey (1983) and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Exeter (1987) in the United Kingdom.
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Focus on Endemic Plants: Returning to Mauritius, she became a lecturer at the University of Mauritius in 1987, eventually rising to become the first female Professor of Organic Chemistry and later the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Pro-Vice Chancellor. Her research focused on the ethnobotany of the unique aromatic and medicinal plants of Mauritius and Rodrigues, isolating and studying the chemical compounds of endemic flora for potential pharmaceutical and nutritional applications.
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Publications: She has authored or co-edited over 28 books and numerous scientific articles, notably co-authoring the first African Herbal Pharmacopoeia (2008), which standardizes traditional African medicinal plants.
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International Recognition: Her contributions earned her global accolades, including the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO Prize for Women in Science in 2007.
Presidency and Political Role (2015–2018)
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Historic Appointment: In June 2015, following the resignation of the previous incumbent, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was unanimously approved by the National Assembly and sworn in as the first female President of Mauritius. The role of the President in Mauritius is largely ceremonial and non-executive.
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Champion of Science and Sustainability: Throughout her presidency, she used her position to champion her core beliefs, advocating tirelessly for sustainable development, science, technology, and innovation (STI) across Africa, arguing they are essential tools for economic growth and climate change resilience.
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Global Profile: She was frequently listed among Forbes’ “100 Most Powerful Women in the World” during her tenure, using her international profile to promote the interests of small island developing states (SIDS).
Controversy and Resignation
Gurib-Fakim’s term ended prematurely amid a financial controversy.
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The Credit Card Scandal: In early 2018, allegations surfaced that she had used a credit card issued by the Planet Earth Institute (PEI), an NGO she was involved with, for personal expenses (reportedly about $27,000). She claimed that the use was accidental, stating she had inadvertently confused the PEI card with a personal bank card from the same bank, and confirmed she had since reimbursed the NGO for the full amount, plus other expenses.
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Clash with Prime Minister: Despite her reimbursement, the scandal led to a political clash with Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, who called for her resignation. Facing the threat of an impeachment inquiry, Gurib-Fakim eventually submitted her resignation, effective March 23, 2018, stating she was doing so in the supreme interest of the country.
Post-Presidency Legacy
Since leaving office, Dr. Gurib-Fakim has continued her work as a global advocate for science diplomacy, education, and women’s leadership. Despite the controversial end to her political term, she is celebrated for her distinguished contributions to African science and for breaking the highest political glass ceiling in Mauritius.